Possible Runt Chick?

[GrahamFam1]

Hi all!

Two days ago my family and I bought four baby chicks. The Barred Plymouth Rock chick seems to be lagging behind in growth greatly, having only sprouted a couple feathers while the others (Americauna, White Leghorn and RIR) have half of their wing feathers in. The other chicks are much bigger than the Rock. Also, when they sleep the rock stands up when it sleeps and rocks back and forth on one side of the brooder,



while the other three lay down together. It eats and drinks fine, but it had minor pasty butt yesterday.
Should we be worried? What can we do to help it?
Will it eventually catch up in size?
Is this common in Barred Rock chicks?
Any 2 cents will help us out. The kids have grown very attach to it. Thanks so much from the Grahams!

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Hello

and Welcome to BYC!

Glad to have you join! Feel free to make yourself at home! I have a chick that is lagging behind to. I wouldn't be worried, the chick is probably just younger.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree it may be younger than the others. Very young chicks frequently fall asleep standing up. Have you ever seen this chick, lay down?

 

[Wyandottes7]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

I'm glad you joined our community.

As long as it is acting fine and eating well, I wouldn't worry too much. Chicks do grow at different rates.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X4, it does look younger than the others, as long as it is eating and drinking normally it should be OK.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Sometimes these runts will have growth spurts and out grow the rest of the chicks. Make sure she is eating and drinking normally. If so, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Enjoy your babies and welcome to our flock!

 

[Luhoo]

Do I need to worry, my Rhode Island Reds were all hatched the same time. All had normal growth size and feather, two were just recently was treated for pasty butt. The same two are runts of the group, however one is now sleeping a lot, not moving around quickly getting knocked over by the others. Not sure if it's been eating and drinking (I pray it is)

Should I move it into the box with the Quails? They are still really small, or will this chick be ok with it's mates?